Attendees came from as far away as Australia, France, Germany, South Africa, and Sweden.

Many U.S. states were represented; in highest attendance was North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ohio and Virginia; others came from as far west as California, and from as far as far north as Maine; there were also a few Canadian provinces represented: Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec.

Highlights:

We celebrated the first grantee of the Change Your World Fund with a party on Saturday night, which was received with overwhelming support and standing-room only for the raffle drawing.

Hosted a Cool Ride Contest, and announced the winner on Saturday at Happy Hour.

Had great weather in Asheville, despite another looming hurricane on the coast.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT OVERLAND EXPO 2016 EAST:

From exhibitors

"I just wanted to send a note to say a massive thank you to you all, for the amazing Overland Expo you all worked very hard on. As my first experience I came away extremely inspired . . .The Biltmore was amazing choice of venue. Camping with the thousands of great people was a memory I will remember for a long time. I intend on returning next year and look forward to seeing you all again." ~ Charles Forman, explmore

from attendees

"My wife and I had a fantastic time at the Overland Expo camping, attending many of the classes offered, visiting vendors and enjoying a couple very nice 28th wedding Anniversary dinners at Biltmore Antler Hill. We loved the new venue at the Biltmore estate and hope it stays there for next year!" ~Paul & Joy Perry (photo, left)

"First off – THANK YOU! Excellent event, first timers but will definitely be returning! Had a great time and did get engaged… so have so many reasons to return next year!" ~ Roy L. Mohr Jr

"WOW, Overland Expo East 2016 was amazing for me! This was my first time to OEE in Asheville and, in fact, my first time to the Asheville area. It was great to visit with Roseann and Jonathan Hanson again. I feel that I've gotten to know them a little bit from attending OE at the Mormon Lake Lodge the last 4 years and from corresponding even longer than that with them.The on-site camping was great with the convenience of the water hydrants and the showers, as well as the great site, itself. The exhibitors were, once again, world class. I especially got a kick out of meeting and visiting with Alan Davis, the founder and owner of Blue Ridge Chair Works. He fixed me up with a really cool table. What a great guy, great company and great product!The venue, the Biltmore Estate, is phenomenal! I've wanted to visit the Biltmore for years and having the Overland Expo East held there this year was just what it took for me to decide to attend. It is over 1,400 miles each way from the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where I ranch, to Ashevelle, but it was incredibly well worth it. I was just thinking, that exactly one week ago right now, I was having dinner in the dining room at the Inn at Biltmore and it was great. Overall, it was an incredible adventure for me. Thank you Roseann and Jonathan and to the entire Overland Expo crew as well as the entire staff at the Biltmore Estate for such a great experience and memory! I really hope that OEE returns to the Biltmore again next year. There are so many more things that I'd like to experience there." ~Expedition Portal post

from instructors / Presenters

"... we had a wonderful experience at the Expo and were extremely impressed by how smoothly and efficiently everything ran. We are already looking forward to next year!" ~Ann Caliri

"We had a great time at the event... We stayed more than busy during our time there and did the Biltmore tour on Monday. Just now getting purchases completed with vendors who ran out of stock on things I “needed” for my rig." ~Bill Elwell

FROM instagram

workplaycareExcellent expo! We learned so much and met so many great people! Thank you for helping us prep for our next adventure! @overlandexpo

tlcadventures09Our first overland expo was a success. We had a great time and learned a lot for our upcoming drive across country!! Thanks for an awesome experience!! @overlandexpo

glouleonThe event was awesome - we ❤️❤️❤️ the new venue! @biltmore staff was amazing!